GLOBIVOX

Introduction: A New Highway of Opportunity

The Centre is reportedly on the verge of approving a 110-kilometre-long Bhubaneswar bypass project connecting Khurda to Cuttack, in what could become one of Odisha’s biggest infrastructure upgrades in years.

The project — aimed at decongesting traffic, boosting trade, and enhancing inter-city connectivity — will mark a major step forward in the state’s growing transport and urban development network.

If cleared, the bypass will not only ease the daily commute between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, but also serve as a vital economic corridor connecting industrial hubs, educational institutions, and logistics centers across central Odisha.

The Project Blueprint: 110 km of Connectivity and Speed

According to officials familiar with the proposal, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has already submitted the detailed project report (DPR) to the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for final consideration.

The proposed Bhubaneswar Bypass will stretch roughly 110 kilometers, forming an arc that starts from Khurda in the south, curves around Bhubaneswar’s western periphery, and reconnects with Cuttack near the NH-16 corridor.

Key Highlights of the Project

• Length: Approximately 110 km

• Estimated cost: ₹8,000–₹9,000 crore (tentative)

• Executing Agency: NHAI

• Connecting Points: Khurda ↔ Cuttack (via western Bhubaneswar belt)

• Objective: Reduce inner-city congestion, enable faster goods movement, and support future urban expansion

• Proposed Features:

  • Six-lane expressway standard

  • Access-controlled sections

  • Intelligent traffic management systems

  • Flyovers, underpasses, and dedicated service roads

Once approved, construction is expected to begin in late 2026, following land acquisition and environmental clearance procedures.

Why Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Needs a Bypass Now

Bhubaneswar and Cuttack — Odisha’s twin cities — are now home to over two million people combined, with rapid expansion of residential, commercial, and industrial zones along NH-16.

Daily vehicular movement between the cities has reached nearly 1.2 lakh vehicles, according to transport department data, often leading to severe congestion at junctions like Phulnakhara, Pahala, and Hanspal.

Experts say that without an alternate corridor, the NH-16 stretch may soon reach unsustainable traffic density levels, causing travel times to double during peak hours.

The proposed bypass aims to:
✅ Divert heavy vehicles and through traffic away from city cores
✅ Improve connectivity to AIIMS Bhubaneswar, IIT Bhubaneswar, and Khordha Industrial Area
✅ Enable faster freight movement to Paradip Port and upcoming logistics parks

Centre’s Push for Eastern Infrastructure

The proposed bypass aligns with the Centre’s larger goal of boosting Eastern India’s infrastructure through major projects like the Bharatmala Pariyojana, Sagarmala, and Amrit Bharat Road initiatives.

Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has previously emphasized that Odisha is a priority state for national highway expansion, citing over ₹60,000 crore worth of projects sanctioned in recent years.

If approved, the Bhubaneswar bypass will not only enhance regional mobility but also attract new investment in industrial corridors between Khurda, Dhenkanal, and Cuttack.

Urban Development Impact: A New Growth Axis

Urban planners view the 110-km bypass as more than just a road — it’s a spine for future urban expansion.

Expected Urban Impacts:

• Decongestion: Reduces inner-city bottlenecks and improves traffic flow within Bhubaneswar.

• Satellite Town Growth: Spurs development in peripheral areas like Jatni, Barang, and Chandaka.

• Logistics & Industry: Strengthens access to industrial zones, warehouses, and ports.

• Property Value: Likely increase in real estate potential along bypass corridors.

“This project will redefine how Bhubaneswar and Cuttack grow,” said a senior official from the Odisha Urban Development Authority. “It will connect emerging economic zones while reducing stress on the main city roads.”

Environmental and Land Challenges Ahead

While the project promises growth, it also brings challenges in land acquisition and environmental management. The proposed route will pass through agricultural zones and forest patches, requiring clearances from multiple departments.

Authorities have stated that a compensatory afforestation plan and environmental mitigation strategy are already being drafted as part of the DPR.

The NHAI has also proposed to integrate green corridor features — such as solar-powered lighting, rainwater harvesting, and noise barriers — to align with sustainable development goals.

Public Reaction: Hope and Caution

Local residents and business owners have welcomed the move, calling it a “long overdue step” for Odisha’s twin cities.

However, concerns remain about rehabilitation of displaced landowners and timely execution, as similar projects in the past faced delays due to procedural hurdles.

A resident of Chandaka said,

“We’ve been hearing about this bypass for nearly a decade. If it finally happens, it will ease our travel and boost local business — but authorities must handle land issues fairly.”

Conclusion: A Road to Odisha’s Future

The proposed Bhubaneswar Bypass (Khurda–Cuttack) represents more than infrastructure — it’s a symbol of Odisha’s transition into a modern, connected economy.

If approved, the project will not only bridge two cities but also open up new corridors of growth, efficiency, and sustainability across central Odisha.

For now, all eyes are on the Union Cabinet’s green signal — one that could put the state on the fast lane toward infrastructural transformation.